Reviews & Tasting Notes - Riga Black Balsam

Based on 23 votes, the average rating for Riga Black Balsam Original is 5.6/10.

Top reviews for Riga Black Balsam Original:

― Negative reviews? You have no idea what yoz are talking about or have no taste.

― Outstanding. It very CLEARLY advertises itself as an herbal, local specialty. EVERY SINGLE COMPARABLE ALCOHOL is herbal/green and bitter. If you order it expecting anything but, then it's YOUR *complete* failure...don't give the spirit a low rating. If you know what to expect, this is exceptional. This is in the same category as Zwack/Unicum from Hungary, but better IMHO. I thoroughly enjoyed the Hungarian liquor, but this one has more complexity (i.e., variety) *and* depth (i.e., over time). The flavor changes in your mouth over the better part of a minute, which is really spectacular. I also put Mallort (Chicago, IL, USA) in the same category, but Mallort is a very clean and simple bitter liquor by comparison; I love Mallort, but - again - the Riga Black Balsam has tremendously more complexity and depth. Absolutely fantastic neat. I can't wait to experiment with making cocktails using it.

― You don’t drink Angostura bitters by itself, so I don’t think this was meant for drinking. It helps tone down the sweetness of cocktails like the toasted almond. Experiments are ongoing!

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Why people love it?

Riga Black Balsam Original which is carefully distilled at Latvijas Balzams is adored for its fruit, floral, herbs and earthy flavor notes.